Top Tourist places to visit in December

December is still part of the holiday season and also the first month of winter in most countries. While some look for snowy landscapes and a Christmas atmosphere, some run for sunny, fabulous beaches. Whichever side of the spectrum you choose, let’s take a look at some of the perfect tourist places to get ripping for in December.

1. New York City, USA

Everyone associates New York with the holiday season. For tourists, December turns the city into a beautiful winter haven for everyone. Well-known for the marvelous Christmas tree in Roosevelt’s Square and ice-skating, the fabulous windows, and other winter sights, NYC is simply filled with the holiday atmosphere. Take a walk in Central Park after the snow has fallen, go to the Bryant Park holiday markets, or watch the famous Radio City Christmas Show. Anything can happen in New York in December, from the big city feeling to the joy of the holidays.

Top activities:

• Spending hours at Rockefeller Center or Central Park in an ice-skating rink
• If and only if you’re in New York, go to the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and holiday markets.
• Visit attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and finally the Empire State Building.

2. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is, in fact, one of the most beautiful European cities which looks spectacular in December. The architecture is gothic with many areas cobbled streets and Xmas markets here just add to the atmosphere. Marked as one of the best markets at Old Town Square where you can purchase local crafts, warm up with a gluhwein, and watch the iconic central astronomical clock. Take a look at the picture; the snow is back on the beautiful Charles Bridge, as well as having your vacation at the world-famous Prague Castle.

Top activities:

• See the Christmas markets in Prague, specifically those located in Old Town Square
• Discover the Czech Republic and the most important sights: Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
• Take a walk on the Charles Bridge to get to see magnificent views.

3. Lapland, Finland

Finland, more specifically Lapland, is where people will find most of December if they are looking for a freezing climate and snowy landscapes. Lapland is famous as the country of Santa Claus; thus, the preferred destination for family vacationers, adventurers, and winter lovers. 

This is your chance to visit the town of Rovaniemi and meet the jolly old man who conjures happiness for children all over the world. Apart from that, you can also go for reindeer sled rides among other activities. The snow and trees in Lapland enhance the beauty of this region during winter and the activities include; Husky sledding and snowmobile.

Top activities:

• Tours to see the aurora borealis and capture perfect art shots of this phenomenon.
• Go to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
• Fur-clad or polar bears walking in snowy taiga

4. Maldives

So if you’re praying for the sun and warmth, the Maldives is a perfect tropical destination in December. The dry season starts in early December, therefore be prepared for a warm climate, clear weather, and no more of the rough sea that had been dominating our coastal region. The Maldives boasts of fine white sandy beaches, aqua-blue water, and beautiful overwater villas. This one is best suited for honeymooning or for any couple looking forward to having relaxing moments. Aqua adventures are also popular in the Maldives’ colorful coral gardens; snorkeling and scuba diving can act as excellent ways to encounter large rays and turtles.

Top activities:

• Stay in an overwater bungalow
• Tourism – specifically swimming in shallow/diving in deep water in coral reefs.
• Avail spa facility and dine on the beach with privacy

5. Vienna, Austria

Vienna in December – one of Europe’s most beautiful cities due to the Christmas markets, architecture, and music. The Christmas markets are famous, and the best ones can be seen in Vianden, Belgium, Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, and Rathausplatz, Vienna. Sample mulled wine, gingerbread, and some Austrian local foods as you walk around the event with beautifully themed streets. One should not fail to attend a classical concert or a concert of opera because Vienna is one of the major musical centers of the world, if not the best during the holidays.

Top activities:

• Visit Vienna Christmas markets, especially Schönbrunn Palace & Rathausplatz
• Visit a museum and look for experiences that would be important to you
• The cities one could visit include; Belvedere Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the Hofburg.

6. Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø, which is located in the region of the Arctic Circle, is one of the most appropriate locations on the globe to view the northern lights. December too denotes longer hours of the night, which is ideal for watching auroras. It also provides a range of winter non-ski facilities including dog sledding, snowmobile, and whale watching. Tromsø has a rich history, including interesting museums and such famous attractions as the Arctic Cathedral, which is why you can call Tromsø a perfect point for a mixture of nature, culture, and adventuring.

Top activities:

• Go on northern lights safaris
• Discover the beautiful fjords around Tromsø either by snowmobile or by dog sled.
• Stop by at Arctic Cathedral and Polar Museums

7. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is another intriguing place to visit if you are planning your tour in December, you are averting the bother of planning cultural tours since Tokyo is a perfect marriage of cultures both old and new. During this month, Christmas lights decorations are put up and seen across the city, especially around places such as the Roppongi Hills and Shibuya. This means that you can go shopping in wine's trendy districts, go through Sensoji Temple, and go skiing or snowboarding at Mount Fuji which is nearby. December is a cold month and in such winter delicious hot pots or ramen to ensure one stays warm through the chilly days.

Top activities:

• Visit light-up events in Roppongi and Shibuya
• It is important to take a walk to the Asakusa district and visit the Sensoji Temple.
• Skiing is best done at Mount Fuji, which is an ideal day trip location, as well as hot springs.

8. Cape Town, South Africa

December is summer and unlike the rest of the world, it is warm for sun lovers and one of the best times to visit Cape Town. It is a green city, where visitors can climb Table Mountain, tour Cape Peninsula, or just bask on the sand of golden beaches such as Camp; Bay. You can also experience cultural attractions within Cape Town including; Robben Island where Mandela was imprisoned or explore the nearby Winelands, recognized internationally for their wines.

Top activities:

• Either you can go trekking or opt for the cable car to the summit of the Table Mountain.
• Cape of Good Hope and other awesome beaches
• Tasting wines in the wine-producing area or visiting the historical site of Robben Island.

9. Dubai, UAE

Dubai in December is a dream – a perfect destination for luxury, shopping, and sunshine. The weather is fine for beach activities, the desert, and other interesting sightseeing places, as well as going out and about town. Fashion freaks can shop in the largest malls in the world like Dubai Mall and Mall of Emirates for Apparel and Electronics etc while having some fun such as Dune bashing and camel rides in the desert. Okay, ensure you do not leave Dubai without visiting the Burj Khalifa which is still the tallest building on earth, and the Dubai Fountain show at night.

Top activities:

• Go to Burj Khalifa and see the Dubai Fountain show
• Head out on a desert safari to camels and sand skiing.
• Sunbathe on one of the world’s best beaches – Jumeirah Beach, or indulge in shopping for the latest luxury.

There are therefore many different types of travel available in December depending on what somebody is looking for – be it the Christmas holiday cheer or the sun and sand of sizzling tropical beaches. From the districts in Lapland where people love to build their igloos to the sandy beaches of the Maldives, people feel happy when they are there in this season of joys. If you are looking for some thrill, who wants to lay back, or something cultural to experience, the world is packed with amazing places to visit in December.